How do we know we are doing it right?

Question 1

red box for

Answer 1

dirty instrument transport

Question 2

use?

Answer 2

illuminated magnifier for inspection

Question 3

what is this?

Answer 3

washer-disinfector

Question 4

what is this?

Answer 4

steriliser

Question 5

blue box for

Answer 5

clean instrument tranfer box

Question 6

life cycle of instruments

Answer 6

• depicts the mandatory stages that our instruments must be subject to when processing

Question 7

flowline for the units to operate in

Answer 7

• show recommendations for how we should manage the path of our instrumentation through the LDU

Question 8

G.L.A.S

Answer 8

Guidance

Legisaltion

and

Standards

Question 9

Guidance

Answer 9

• reference to a series of documents designed as a means of directing people working within decontamination, to the correct processes, testing regimes, designations, stipulations and requirements

Question 10

Legislation

Answer 10

• legal obligation to operate any form of decontamination facility In-line with any official guidance provided.
• The is a serious affair and people are actively Prosecuted by the GDC for non-compliance

Question 11

The standards

Answer 11

• series of highly technical documents that govern the way in which our facilities and equipment should be operated, the standard that it should be produced to, and amongst other things, how the equipment and processes are tested and verified
• test the processes and equipment not sterility of instruments – need to re-contaminate them*

Question 12

SHTM

Answer 12

guidance on all decontamination related activities

series of documents

“Scottish Health Technical Memorandum”.

Question 13

SHTM 2010

Answer 13

sterilisation

Question 14

SHTM 2030

Answer 14

for cleaning and disinfection

Question 15

how often does guidance change

Answer 15

constantly

SHTM 01 – 05 Pt B is specifically related to decontamination in a dental setting. (Oct 2020)

• new appendix and documents are ongoing suggesting we must keep up to date with current guidance

Question 16

information in SHTM guidance (4)

Answer 16

• The steps that our decontamination process should consist of -
• It has a role designations and descriptions
• Identifies the equipment that we should be using to achieve any of the required steps in the process
  
  • And any consideration that are involved with the operation and successful use of it as well
    
    • tests required for the successful operation of it, and the frequency they should be carried out.
• Who should be carrying out the tests mentions
  
  • Maintenance – should be carried out by a approved person It then offers a description of this position
  • Periodic testing – should be carried out by a competent person/test person It then goes on to offer a description of these position

Question 17

operator according to SHTM

Answer 17

defined as any person with the authority to operate decontamination equipment. Their duties may include the noting of equipment readings, replenishment of consumable items, such as detergent, and simple housekeeping duties.

Question 18

maintenacne carried out by according to SHTM

Answer 18

should be carried out by a approved person It then offers a description of this position

Question 19

periodic testing carried out by

Answer 19

• should be carried out by a competent person/test person It then goes on to offer a description of these position

Question 20

• How do we know those positions have been fulfilled to the required competency?

Answer 20

• Because the document informs us of the AE(D) (Authorising Engineer for Decontamination), The individual who verifies, on an annual basis, all of this work has been carried out and to the relevant standard

Question 21

legislation

Answer 21

Legal requirement that anyone participating in the use & re-processing of RMD’s, or operating a decontamination facility, must comply with all of the latest guidance in relation to all decontamination equipment being operated, and processes undertaken.

• It is essential that we are familiar with the guidance for the area that we are operating within And understand how we fulfil our obligation
  
  • GDC prosecution

Question 22

Standards

Answer 22

set of technical documents that inform individuals of how we carry out certain tasks.

refer to these documents for the process required to carry test out, in a consistent manner, that is globally recognised as being sufficient and appropriate, to obtain a data set for the test/activity in question (e.g. SHTM 2010 for sterilisers)

Question 23

SHTM 2010 for sterilisers references to

Answer 23

standard BS EN 285

sterilisation processes, testing and maintenance

Question 24

SHTM 2030 for washer disinfectors references

Answer 24

BS EN 15883

cleaning and disinfection processes, testing and maintenance

Question 25

manufacturers obligation

Answer 25

• to provide all of their equipment already in compliance with associated standards and capable of being tested in line with any processes outlined.

Question 26

guidance documents for manufacturers

Answer 26

offer us the most usable information.

• Compliance with the technical standards is usually achieved through the support of professional services
  
  • Such as the company carrying out your equipment validation.
• It is essential we understand how the guidance documents link to the standards though, and what ones link to each other.